An Australian survey showed that 55% of staff said their employers banned social networking websites such as Facebook, Myspace and Bebo in the workplace. This is compared to 20% of workers in the UK, 12% in France and 11% in Spain as well as 10% in Germany. Lauren Papworth, is a leading Australian social network strategist and blogger who has 20 years experience in the use of social networks and digital communities. Laurel thinks the change has come about because "there isn't such thing as the 9-5 job anymore and the younger generations know this. Facebook is used partly for work and partly for a mental break."

Posted by Brooke in Business & Finance at 12:45 | Comments (5)

What are some of your favourite products for kids? It is so hard to choose a product because there are so many on the market! The only way to find the best product is real advice from a trust friend or family member because there are so many false, misleading claims on the bottles! There are a cople of tips to remember when choosing a product for a child; first one is to use fewer products as infrequently as possible, the second tip is to not trust the claims on the bottle, check the ingredients and listen to friends and family. If the product is for a child to use the rule of thumb is to buy a fragrance free product.

Posted by Brooke in Pregnancy, Baby & Children at 13:15 | Comments (0)

The Australian Climate Change Adaption Program is the easiest way for an organisation to immediately adapt to climate change. ACCAP reduces the impact of severe weather and other destructive events which threaten our communities. There are free and paid subscriptions to ACCAP. The Australian federal, state and local government are talking a lot about climate change. Hundreds of millions of dollars and the nation's economic engine room are being committed to fighting it. Climate change adaption can be defined as 'actions in response to actual or projected climate change impacts that lead to a reduction in risks or realisation of benefits'. The systems GIS is used to select the area to be alerted and is accurate to within three meters. The people within that area are alerted by multiple channels immediately and simultaneously.

Posted by Brooke at 16:27 | Comments (0)

Bupa Australia has pledged $100,000 to help ease the pain and suffering of the Bushfires. The donation has been given to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. The company matched employee donations, dollar by dollar, as well all to support the thousands of Australians who have been affected by the Victorian bushfires. Bupa has also made a commitment to all HBA and MBF as well as Mutual Community customers affected by the fires that they will process their clamis as expediently as possible.

Posted by Brooke at 15:32 | Comments (0)

I'm not a fan of chain letters especially the ones that say 'send this in five minutes or you'll have ten years bad luck' and 'this has to leave your hands in six minutes or you will recieve an unpleasent surprise'! I seriously don't think so, but I have to admit I do enjoy reading the occasional chain letter, I came across one that actually had some great advice and was really nice! Blog worthy nice advice! I have placed the 'lessons' below for you to read and encourage you to place the chain letters you have recieved that you thought were nice and contained great 'advice'.

Posted by Brooke in Lifestyle at 13:34 | Comments (4)

The Government’s second attempt at preventing the economy crisis from worsening in Australia is a two-stage employment and stimulus package that is costing Australia $42 billion. The package has recently been approved and the money will begin to be handed out in March. Taxpayers who are on less than $100,000, single-income families and families with school aged children will receive money, as long as they have completed the last financial year's tax return.

Posted by Brooke in Business & Finance at 14:46 | Comments (0)

Citizens Electoral Council leader, Craig Isherwood declared that "The long-term effects of greenie and economic rationalist policies killed more than 180 people in the Victorian bushfires on 'Black Saturday', and the perpetrators of those policies in government must be held accountable." Isherwood attached Prime Minister Rudd's public seizing on the arson issue, and Premier Brumby's promise of a Royal Commission, as a smokescreen by saying "the issue is government policy, and they know it."

Posted by Brooke at 13:36 | Comment (1)

The fires that began this weekend have affected everyone and caused major devastation throughout Victoria and Australia. Over one thousand bushfires raged through Victoria, seven hundred and fifty houses have already been destroyed and one hundred and eleven people have been confirmed dead with more expected as emergency services begin to enter towns that have been totally destroyed by fire. Saturday the 7th of Feb is marked as the hottest day on record for Victoria. The temperature reached 46.4 degrees and with high winds many residents didn't stand a chance. Authorities suspect that arsonists may be responsible for some of the fires.

Posted by Brooke at 12:31 | Comments (7)

If you didn't receive your proposal at Christmas have no fear, Valentine's Day is on its way! Fewer couples are getting engaged at Christmas, the significant increases in engagements being on Valentine's Day according to a new survey by theweddingreport.com. More than 10% of proposals are taking place on February 14th rather than other key dates, such as Christmas, New Years and Birthdays.

Posted by Brooke in Bridal at 11:05 | Comment (1)

In 2009, the number of couples who will marry will remain fairly steady. If the economy recovers its recent crisis we may see an increase in weddings. Wedding spending has increased a lot overtime and still will, in 2009, if their is an increase in the market. The average wedding cost is between $20,000 and $26,000. Due to the increase in spending couples have increased their reliance on family and friends to help plan and pay for their big day whilst online Invitations and RSVP's have taken over from tradional mail-in and off-peak weddings times have become increasingly popular. Research has showed that more than 12,000 US couples will shop online for wedding gifts, espeically if there is an online wedding registry.

Posted by Brooke in Bridal at 11:17 | Comment (1)